Sparkling Gourami - Trichopsis vittata : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) is a little gem that will add sparkle and delight to your planted aquarium. These peaceful fish are easy to care for but require close attention to water quality to maintain their health. Sparkling Gouramis exhibit a tranquil disposition in non-breeding periods and can be maintained either as a pair or within a group configuration. Particularly noteworthy is the intriguing array of behavioural interactions that transpire within a group setting, presenting a compelling dynamic worth observing.
Sparkling Gouramis thrive, most notably in a meticulously planted aquatic environment characterized by a shaded ambience. Ample surface cover, whether in the form of towering stem plants, buoyant species, or tropical lilies, is recommended. The inclusion of Cryptocoryne stands as a favourable choice as well. Driftwood serves as a complementary addition, accommodating the attachment of resilient plant varieties. Further shelter can be provided through the incorporation of small clay plant pots, plastic piping, and dried leaf litter.
Given the Gouramis' natural preference for sluggish habitats, it is advisable to avoid strong water currents. To achieve an appropriate level of water turnover, an air-powered sponge filter set to operate with gentle efficacy is suitable. Ensuring that the aquarium is securely covered is essential; however, maintaining a modest water level is recommended. This allows periodic access to the layer of humid air that forms above the water's surface, a requisite for these Gouramis. Furthermore, considering their propensity for leaping, a well-covered environment contributes to their safety.
Sparkling Gouramis are true to their name, displaying a dazzling array of colours when they swim. Their arrowhead-shaped bodies and caudal fins shimmer with green, red and blue tones, and their eyes seem to glow a bright blue in the right light. What's more, using a unique pectoral mechanism, these fish can produce a clear croaking sound, adding a fascinating auditory element to your aquarium.
Sparkling Gourami Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism can be observed in mature Sparkling Gouramis, with males displaying elongated ventral, dorsal, anal, and caudal fins and a more intense colour pattern compared to females. Males also possess red spots on the stripe through their body or over the body line, while females exhibit less prominent, duller spots. However, differentiating between sexes in juveniles can prove to be challenging, as the dimorphism is not apparent until sexual maturity.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Trichopsis vittata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1936 |
| Other Names | Pygmy Gourami, Dwarf Croaking Gouramies |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Anabantiformes |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Genus | Trichopsis |
| Origins | Thailand , Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos |
| Max Size | 4 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Bubble Nester |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 19 |
| ℉ | 77 - 83 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 25 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
Sparkling Gouramis are scattered throughout the lower Mekong River basin in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, as well as in watersheds across central and southern Thailand in Southeast Asia. The Sparkling Gourami can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from swamp forests and peat swamps to roadside ditches, floodplains, river tributaries, irrigation canals, and paddy fields.
They thrive in still to slow-moving water, displaying a definite preference for environments with dense growths of riparian or aquatic vegetation. One of the most remarkable features of the Sparkling Gourami is their unique ability to adapt to a range of different environments, allowing them to thrive in diverse ecosystems.
Breeding
To successfully breed Sparkling Gouramis, a spacious breeding tank is essential, providing sufficient space for the fry to develop. Furthermore, a tight-fitting cover is necessary to maintain warm and humid air, allowing the labyrinth organ to develop fully. The male and female Gouramis work collaboratively to create a nest.
The male constructs the nest within a canister or tube surrounded by leafy plants or beneath a dense plant leaf. During spawning, the male embraces the female, and both release eggs and sperm simultaneously. The male takes sole responsibility for caring for the eggs and often remains with them, while the female typically leaves after laying the eggs.
After 2-3 days, the eggs hatch, and the male continues to attend to the fry. The adults rarely consume their offspring, except for when the fry are very young. The fry initially requires newly hatched brine shrimp, gradually progressing to edible foods such as microworms.
Diet & Feeding
In the home aquarium, it is recommended to provide a varied diet to ensure the optimal health and colouration of Sparkling Gouramis. While high-quality dried products such as granules, flakes, and pellets may constitute the bulk of their diet, it is also essential to offer live or frozen foods that are suitably small in size.
Feeding these fish small live or frozen foods such as artemia, daphnia, and chironomid larvae will not only enhance their physical condition and promote healthy growth, but it will also help maintain their vivid colours. By providing a diverse diet, you can ensure the well-being of your Sparkling Gouramis in the home aquarium.
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